About Stefan Halley
Location: Malmo, Sweden
Occupation: Editor-in-Chief
Bio: Stefan has been writing reviews for seven years and started Pop Syndicate out of need to voice his mis-guided opinion.
Posts: 719
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Mountain Battles is a blissful return of rock music from a time gone by.
Alt-pop darlings of the 90’s are back. There must be something in the water these days making long forgotten groups feel the need to put out new music. Way back in 1993 when The Breeders released “Cannonball”, they were set to ride the fast train to superstardom. Then they sort of disappeared. After several years of rehab for sisters Kim and Kelly Deal and a successful reunion tour for Kim Deal’s former band The Pixies, the Deal sisters reformed the band and released a great new album that reminds you why you loved them in the first place.
On their fourth album (2002’s Title TK was a major miss-step for the band), The Breeders rock out in their low-fi glory on the appropriately titled Mountain Battles. “Overglazed” is a throwback to the alt-rock sounds of the early 90’s. Deal’s voice screams out “I can feel it!” over the chaotic guitars and drums. From there it’s a mix of somber, angst ridden songs and driving rock each with own unique sound. From the mysterious exotic “Istanbul” to Spanish influenced “Regalame Esta Noche”, Mountain Battles is a blissful return of rock music from a time gone by. The highlight of the album is “Walk It Off”. With its driving bass line and light guitars, it slowly ramps up and keeps the driving rhythm going until the end.
Mountain Battles’ is a standout of the rock genre. Blending sounds and genres, The Breeders prove that they are not only relevant but also setting new standards. It’s been a long time coming for a new Breeders album and even longer for a good one. Kim Deal is a talented artist and she’s leading her band to new heights. Let’s just hope we don’t have to wait another six years before we hear from The Breeders again.
